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Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) announced that Virginia was awarded $93,123,844 in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Administered through the Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Community Services (OCS) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this funding will help individuals and families with low incomes pay their home heating costs this winter, and with cooling bills in the summer. LIHEAP can also be used to weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient, and during disasters and extreme weather to mitigate energy emergencies.

Today’s funding release includes funds appropriated by Congress from the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024, as well as $100 million appropriated for FY 2024 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“LIHEAP is a lifeline for low to middle income Virginia families to keep their homes heated without breaking the bank. Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this program is delivering even greater financial support for families in our community who need it,” said Congresswoman Wexton. “I’m proud that this robust federal funding is on its way to our Commonwealth to support families in time for the cold winter months.”

Maintaining safe indoor air temperatures is critical, particularly for households that include older adults, individuals with disabilities, and young children. By helping to reduce the costs of home heating and cooling bills, reconnecting energy services that have been disconnected, preventing energy shutoffs, and providing minor energy-related home repairs, LIHEAP helps make sure that our neighbors can meet their home energy needs and stay safe in their homes.

Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at 1-866-674-6327. Not sure whether you qualify? Households can easily identify if they may be eligible for assistance by using the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool on energyhelp.us.

In addition to releasing the funding, ACF’s Office of Community Services (OCS) has updated their LIHEAP heating season toolkit to help grant recipients and stakeholders effectively reach households in need of assistance. To access the toolkit’s outreach materials including flyers, social media templates, and animated videos, visit the OCS website.

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